Natural Fillers
Natural Fillers
First of all, we need to define natural fillers. Usually, we use the word "natural" to describe something that is extracted from nature, in other words it is not synthetic. In this sense, all hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero are considered natural. However, if we want to be more specific, the most natural fillers are from our bodies, including fat.
Fat grafting
Due to the extended downtime, and the complexity of the procedure, we usually use this procedure as a last resort, and mainly for areas that general filling is required rather than precise filler placement. The Brazilian Butt lift is an excellent example of fat grafting. We more commonly offer three types of injectable cosmetic treatments fillers:
- Hyaluronic acid fillers (HA Fillers)
- Collagen inducing fillers
- Platelet-rich Plasma and Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRP and PRF)
Hyaluronic Acid fillers
Hyaluronic acid is one of the naturally occurring fillers in our body.When we are young, our body has an ample supply of HA in our skin. Hyaluronic acid loves water, keeps our skin hydrated and gives us volume. Hyaluronic acid is not permanent and as we age our body is not able to generate the HA we lose, hence signs of age such as lines and wrinkles. Therefore, we need to supply our body with an external source of HA fillers in the form in dermal fillers.
What is the origin of HA dermal fillers?
Pharmaceutical companies used to extract HA from animal sources. However, with advanced technology, all HA dermal fillers are produced by bacteria.
What is best HA dermal filler?
We use mainly two brands that produce the best results-Juvederm and Restylane. Both brands come in a different consistency and thickness for different areas of the face.
Collagen inducing fillers
Fillers such as Sculptra and Radiesse have minimal effect as fillers themselves. However, they induce the gradual production of natural fillers in our body such as collagen. Does that mean that Sculptra and Radiesse are more natural than Juvederm and Restylane? The simple answer is no. Sculptra, for example, are microsphere of Poly L lactic acid, which is a synthetic polymer, while Radiesse is synthetic Calcium microsphere gel that works similarly to Sculptra. Our body will eventually dissolve Sculptra and Radiesse microsphere over time.
PRP and PRF
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is a 100% natural product of our blood. We prepare the plasma in the clinic by centrifuging the blood, to produce the best plasma filled with growth factors. PRP does not add volume at all and instead helps with skin texture, glow and fine lines especially if used with microneedling. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a way to ensure the plasma stays in place longer and does not work as fillers. PRF works perfectly for hair loss treatment
So what exactly are natural fillers?
The term natural fillers have been introduced in the field of cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery to refer to mixing any fillers with PRP. So basically, combining Voluma with PRP or Sculptra with PRP will produce “natural fillers”.
We have a protocol that we have developed over the years for the best mixture, and it varies from one filler to another and according to the site of injection. Each clinic has its own way of preparing their own natural filler.
How long does it last?
We noticed that natural fillers last longer than original fillers. It also makes other fillers such as Radiesse and Sculptra work faster. This will help it to give a better immediate and long-term results.
